Grip element for a gas bottle

ABSTRACT

A grip element for a gas bottle having a gas bottle body, wherein the gas bottle body can be clamped between two clamping blocks of a grip element. The grip element can be pressed against the gas bottle body, wherein the clamping blocks are each provided with a handle which undergo an upward movement if a lifting force is applied. The grip element may include a connection stirrup bent to a bow which is provided at both ends whereof with one of the clamping blocks, respectively.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a grip element for a gas bottle which has a gas bottle body.

2. Description of the Related Art

Gas bottles for which grip elements are an integrated component are known in the art. The grip elements are configured in form of handles in one piece with the gas bottle in such a manner that the gas bottles can be lifted and moved away. However, for a significant number of gas bottles, such grip elements are not provided. In all craftsman's and industrial establishments of the metal-working industry, technical gases are used which are usually delivered in 50 litre compressed gas bottles and which, depending on type and fill factor, weigh about 80 kg. 50 litre bottles with a 200 bar filling pressure weigh approximately 80 kg. 300 bar filling pressure bottles weigh approximately 115 kg. Most of these gas bottles are used as protective gas bottles. On the welding devices, these gas bottles are most of the time fixed on a platform situated on the welding device. This platform is situated depending on the construction type of the welding device at a height of 130 to 250 mm above the floor. This being, depending on the intensity of the welding work, a regular change of the gas bottles is foresee.

However, the manual lifting which is necessary for this gas bottle change is extremely difficult because of the high weight of the gas bottles. The possibility to embrace the bottle with gripping gloves which do not skid on a smooth surface and to immediately bring the bottle to the welding device with the chest bent backwards and with a lunge step does not constitute a satisfying solution for safety reasons and from ergonomic aspects. It should also be considered that the gas bottles can slip out of the hands and can thus cause leg and/or foot injuries. Damages of the gas bottles as well as of the impact surfaces cannot be avoided either. Moreover, besides the above mentioned risks of injury, it is possible that the employed persons contract backbone injuries because they do not lift the objects correctly and bring into the perfect transport posture which does not harm the spine.

The gas bottles must also be moved to another place in a workshop. This being, the round bottles can be inclined and rolled on the edge about their lower end. They can also be moved with different transport cars. However, for safety reasons, it is not appropriate to roll the bottles if they are in a horizontal position.

These examples already show the problems of lifting and moving gas bottles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the object of the invention is to make available a grip element of the above mentioned type which makes the lifting and moving of gas bottles safe from an ergonomic and safety aspect.

In accordance with the present invention the gas bottle body can be clamped between two clamping blocks of the grip element which, in turn, can be pressed against the gas bottle body. The clamping blocks are provided with one handle each, wherein the handles are moved upwardly if a lifting force is applied.

The basic idea of the invention is that the grip element secures the gas bottle with a high application pressure between the gas bottle wall and the surfaces of the clamping blocks. The necessary high application pressure can be achieved in that an upward movement of the handles is set into motion so that the lifting forces are transferred to the surface of the gas bottle. In this way, the clamping blocks press stronger against the gas bottle during the lifting operation and a safe grip without skid risk is realized. Thus, the lifting effect is used. The clamping blocks clamp the gas bottle body in such a manner that the biggest possible contact surface is obtained. Clamped in this manner, the gas bottle can now be lifted and moved by one person.

It is advantageous that the grip element has a connection stirrup bent to a bow which is provided at both ends with one clamping block, respectively. For lifting gas bottles, the grip element can be laid in particular around round gas bottles so that the connection stirrup is situated on the operator side.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides for that the clamping blocks are respectively provided with a rubber lining which is in contact with the gas bottle body. This takes into consideration the fact that rubber linings which are situated on the clamping blocks increase the bonding between the clamping block and the gas bottle.

It is advantageous if a clamping jaw is mounted in the clamping block, whereby the clamping jaw is provided with a bore and the clamping block with a bore for receiving a pin, whereby the clamping jaw with the bore is positioned on the pin which is situated in the clamping block. The clamping block can be provided laterally with a bore with a diameter of 8 mm for receiving a straight pin which carries the clamping jaw. Preferably, the clamping jaw is provided with a lateral bore with a diameter of 8 mm with which it is positioned on the straighter pin which is situated in the clamping block.

A practicable alternative of the invention provides for that the clamping block is provided with a bore with which the clamping block is positioned rotatably on the connection stirrup. This being, the clamping jaw can be provided with a small in particular square surface on the side turned to the gas bottle body. The clamping jaw mounted in the clamping block can be turned away from the gas bottle body by approximately up to 27°.

Preferably, the clamping block is provided with a rubber block provided with a steel insert on the side turned to the gas bottle body. On a chamfered side of the clamping block, a handle can be fixed with a screw in a thread. Radially around this threaded bore, three bores can be set for fitting pins on the clamping block. It is possible here to fix the handle in three different positions and to secure it against torsion. This being, the respective handle can be provided with a tight fitting pin.

Due to the fact that a clamping jaw is mounted in the clamping block, it comes to an increasing of the overall height of the clamping block with the consequence that there results a lower but sufficient lever transmission for the clamping operation. Moreover, due to the two-part embodiment of the clamping block with the clamping jaw always situated plainly on the gas bottle wall, there results a not too high lever transmission for the clamping operation. Within the scope of the invention, a maximal lever ratio of 1:2,75 is not exceeded even for an extremely one-sided stress. A further advantage of the two-part embodiment of the grip element is to be seen in that the rubber linings can be made of a cheaper material because of the favourable lever ratio. The gas bottles can be held still safer too.

Preferably, the grip element is adjustable in such a manner that the clamping blocks adapt themselves to the different diameters of the gas bottle body. This can be achieved preferably in that the clamping blocks are mounted on adjusting screws in such a manner that the clamping blocks can be moved in direction to each other or away from each other. This being, the handles can be positioned rotatable, in particular around the connection stirrup, so that when the grip element is not used, a space saving arrangement thereof is possible. The space saving arrangement is characterized in that the handles are situated in the surface between the two ends of the connection stirrup. According to the terminology used here, this space saving arrangement is also designated as inoperative position.

An additional rubber lining can be placed in an inner vertex of the connection stirrup for a damping between the gas bottle body and the connection stirrup.

A practicable alternative of the invention provides for that a torsion spring is integrated into the clamping blocks. The torsion spring can thus always bring the handles into the inoperative position. This being, the torsion springs can be so strong that they push the clamping blocks against the bottle wall when putting the grip element against a gas bottle in such a manner that the grip element holds itself on the gas bottle.

The clamping blocks can be made of a massive aluminum block, But it is also conceivable that the clamping blocks are made of another material which seems appropriate. It is possible that the rubber linings on the clamping blocks are round or rectangular. The connection stirrup can be made of circular tube, square tube or any other profile. But it can also be completely configured as cast part. But any material can also be used as material as long as it is sure that the material has the necessary strength.

Within the scope of the invention, the possibility for adjustment of the grip element is provided for in a range of approximately 209 mm to 232 mm. This proves to be judicious since gas bottle bodies with the diameters 204 mm, 219 mm as well as 229 mm belong to the prior art.

Therefore, a further advantageous configuration of the invention provides that the clamping blocks are positioned on stud bolts of the connection stirrup with eccentrically bored bushes, whereby during a rotation of the bushes about approximately 180° there is a width adjustment from centre to centre of the bushes to each other. The bushes can be made of plastic. The width adjustment covers approximately 23 mm.

It is also advantageous that the bushes have a square configuration of a stud bolt bore on their side turned to the connection stirrup, wherein the bushes are secured against torsion on the stud bolts on a square stud of the otherwise round bushes. The square stud has a height of approximately 10 mm, whereas the square configurations of the stud bolt bore are approximately 10 mm deep.

Preferably, the bushes are secured against torsion on fitting pins which are inserted in the clamping block and penetrate into the bores of the head edge. The number of the fitting pins can vary.

Moreover, the plastic bushes have on their side opposite the connection stirrup a bored opening of the stud bolt bore with a dimension which guarantees the fitting of a compression spring with at least 10 mm spring excursion. This being, the compression spring can be held by a spring plate which is fixed on the stud bolt of the clamping blocks for example by means of a spring washer. The head of the plastic bush is designed so big that the clamping blocks positioned on the plastic bushes are held by the bushes. Furthermore, the head of the plastic bushes is provided with a knurled handy edge and has respectively three radially arranged marks which indicate the position of the bush relatively to a mark on the respective clamping block. The invention also provides for that the clamping blocks are equipped with a bore which receives the plastic bush.

Within the scope of the invention it is also provided that the eccentric bush can be twisted in catch paces of 90° by pulling off on its handy configured head part from the square stud of its stud bolt which corresponds, for an embodiment in pairs, respectively to another gas bottle size. In its inoperative position, an unintended twisting is avoided by the compression spring integrated in the head part of the bush which pushes the bush onto the stud bolt and onto the square stud which is situated there.

The position of the eccentric bush is indicated by the marks made on its head and on the clamping block which indicate the bottle diameter which can just be grasped when the clamping blocks with their rubber linings are turned to each other. By means of this adjusting device, it is possible with the grip element according to the invention to cover the gas bottle diameters 204 mm, 219 mm and 229 mm. The eccentric bushes can be adjusted in pairs, whereby the setting to the respective bottle diameters can be read by means of the setting marks. An advantage of this embodiment is also that no tool is required.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages, specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the drawing and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In the drawing:

FIGS. 1 a to 1 c show a grip element according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a grip element according to the invention which is placed on a gas bottle;

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show a side and front view each of a clamping block for receiving a clamping jaw;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show a side and rear view each of a clamping block for receiving a clamping jaw;

FIGS. 5 a to 5 d show a side and rear view each of a clamping jaw as well as a front and top view;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a clamping block in the plastic bush of which a compression spring is mounted;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an eccentrically bored plastic bush with fitting pin bores and

FIG. 8 shows a clamping block provided with fitting pins onto which the plastic bush is pressed by means of the compression spring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A grip element according to the invention is designated in FIGS. 1 a to 1 c by the reference numeral 100.

The grip element 100 has two clamping blocks 11 which can be pressed against a gas bottle body. Moreover, a gas bottle body can be clamped between the clamping blocks 10, 11 of the grip element 100. The clamping blocks 10, 11 are respectively provided with handles 13, 14. The grip element 100 has a connection stirrup 12 bent to a bow which is provided at its both ends with respectively one of the clamping blocks 10, 11.

Furthermore, the clamping blocks 10, 11 are provided respectively with a rubber lining 15, 16 which are in contact with the gas bottle body. The rubber linings 15, 16 which are on the clamping blocks 10, 11 increase the bonding between the clamping blocks 10, 11 and a gas bottle. The grip element 100 is adjustable in such a manner that the clamping blocks 10, 11 adapt themselves to different diameters of a gas bottle body. The grip element can also be produced for different gas bottle diameters. The handles 13, 14 which are placed rotatable on the clamping blocks 10, 11 can be rotated around the connection stirrup 12.

It can be seen in FIG. 1 b that a handle 14 when rotated takes a position between the ends of the connection stirrup 12. According to the terminology used here, the position of the handle 14 between the ends of the connection stirrup 12 is designated as an inoperative position.

FIG. 1 c shows that both handles 13, 14 are in the inoperative position. The inoperative position of the grip element 100 has the advantage that the grip element 100 takes a space saving position when it is not used. A torsion spring which always brings the handles 13, 13 into the inoperative position can be integrated into the clamping blocks 10, 11. The torsion springs can be configured so strong that, when the grip element 100 is put against a gas bottle, the clamping blocks 10, 11 are pushed against the bottle wall so that the grip element 100 keeps itself to the gas bottle. Moreover, an additional rubber lining 21 can be placed in the inner vertex of the connection stirrup 12, this rubber lining assuring a damping between the grip element 100 and a gas bottle.

In FIG. 2, a gas bottle body 18 of a gas bottle 17 can be seen which is clamped between two clamping blocks 10, 11 of the grip element 100. The handles 13, 14 are situated on the clamping blocks 10, 11. When the handles 13, 14 are moved upwards, there results a lifting force 20 which is transmitted during the lifting of the gas bottle body 18 by the clamping blocks 10, 11 to the gas bottle body 18 with the consequence that the clamping blocks 10, 11 are pressed more strongly to the gas bottle body 18. The necessary high application pressure can thus be obtained when the handles 13, 14 undergo an upward movement and thus a lifting effect is achieved. This being, the clamping blocks 10, 11 clamp the gas bottle body 18 in such a manner that the biggest possible contact surface is obtained. During the upward movement, the handles 10, 11 thus press the clamping blocks 10, 11 stronger and stronger to the gas bottle body 18 with the consequence that a safe grip without any skid risk is produced. Clamped in such a manner, the gas bottle can now be lifted and moved by one or two persons 19, 22.

In FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, a clamping block 23 of the grip element is configured into which a clamping jaw can be mounted. Both parts, i.e. the clamping block 23 and the clamping jaw, can be configured as milled parts of aluminum. This embodiment of the grip element according to the invention is thus in two parts. In FIG. 3 a which shows the side view of the clamping block 23, there is a bore 25 with a diameter of 16 mm. The clamping block 23 is positioned rotatable with this bore 25 on a stud bolt of the connection stirrup 12. A handle with a M10 screw 28 is fixed on the chamfered side of the clamping block 23. Moreover, the clamping block is provided with a bore 26 with a diameter of 8 mm for receiving a straight pin which carries the clamping jaw. As it results from FIG. 3B, three bores 27 for fitting pins are arranged radially around the threaded bore of the screw 28. The bores 28 can have a diameter of approximately 4 mm. Thus, it is also possible to fix a handle in three different positions and to secure it against torsion. This being, the respective handle is provided with a pressed-in fitting pin.

FIG. 4 a represents the side view of the clamping block 23. As it can be seen in the side view in FIG. 4A, the clamping block 23 is limited in its lower part by surfaces which are arranged parallel to each other, whereas an oblique surface 24 exists in the upper part of the clamping block 23 in order to be able to tilt the clamping jaw mounted into the clamping block 23 upwards or to the rear by approximately 25°. The front view shown in FIG. 4B of the clamping block 23 has two screws M5 which are designated by the reference numeral 29, 30. On this side of the clamping block 23, a rubber block with the dimensions 40 mm×40 mm×20 mm provided with a 2 mm thick steel insert is fixed with the two screws 29, 30. Such a rubber block can be used as a substitute when the lining on the clamping jaw is worn out. A part of the clamping jaw which is provided with a bore is situated between the parts 34, 35 which are configured in one piece with the clamping block 23, bore with which the clamping jaw is positioned on the pin situated in the clamping block 23 which is guided through the bore 26 of the clamping block 23.

A side or rear view of a clamping jaw 31 is represented in FIGS. 5A and 5 b. The clamping jaw 31 is provided with a bore 32. The clamping jaw 31 is positioned with this bore 32 on the pin situated in the clamping block 23. This being, the bore can have a diameter of approximately 8 mm. This being, the clamping jaw 31 is integrated between the parts 34, 35 of the clamping block 23 which are represented in FIG. 4B in such a manner that the bore 32 of the clamping jaw 31 is situated against each other with the bore 36 of the clamping block 23. FIG. 5 c und 5 d show a front view and a top view of the clamping jaw 31. The plane square surface of the side turned to the bottle body can be provided with a rubber block by means of the screws 33,

FIGS. 6 to 8 show the eccentric integrated in a clamping block. For the clamping block shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the matter can be either of the clamping block 10, 11 or 23. For this purpose, the plastic bushes, a plastic bush 36 of which is represented in FIG. 6 in a side view, have on their head side a bored opening 37 of a stud bolt bore with dimensions which guarantee the mounting of a compression spring 38 with at least 10 mm spring excursion. The numbers indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7 indicate the length dimensions or diameters in mm. The compression spring 38 is held by a spring plate 39 which is mounted on the stud bolt 40 of the clamping block 10, 11, 23. The clamping block 10, 11, 23 is positioned on the stud bolt 40 with the plastic bush 36. The clamping block 10, 11, 23 is provided with a bore which receives the plastic bush 36, whereby the head of the plastic bushes 36 is dimensioned as big as the clamping block 10, 11, 23 positioned on the plastic bush 36 is held by the bush 36. As seen in FIG. 7, the edge of the head of the plastic bush 36 has, on its side turned to the clamping block 10, 11, 23, four fitting pin bores 41 in a 90° arrangement. The plastic bush 36 is bored eccentrically in such a manner that a rotation of the bush 36 about respectively 180° results in a width adjustment of the clamping blocks 10, 11, 23 to each other of 23 mm on the whole. FIG. 8 shows that the plastic bush 36 are secured against torsion on four fitting pins 42 which are set in the clamping block 10, 11, 23 and which penetrate into the bores 41 of the head edge. The number of fitting pins 42 can also vary.

By pulling off its head part provided with an easily gripped surface from the fitting pins 42 set laterally into the clamping block 10, 11, 23, the bush 36 can be twisted in catch paces of 90° which corresponds, for an embodiment in pairs, respectively to another gas bottle size. In their inoperative position, an unintended torsion of the bush 36 is avoided by the compression spring 38 mounted in their head parts, this compression spring pressing the bush 36 onto the clamping block 10, 11, 23 and the fitting pins 42 situated there. The position of the bush 36 is indicated by the mark made on its head and clamping block 10, 11, 23 which indicate the just grippable gas bottle diameter when the clamping blocks 10, 11, 23 with their rubber linings are turned to each other. By means of this adjusting device, it is possible to cover with a gas bottle grip on the whole three different gas bottle diameters, preferably of 204, 219 and 224 mm. The bush(es) 36 will be adjusted in pairs and the setting can be read on the respective gas bottle diameters by means of setting marks.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles. 

1. A grip element for a gas bottle has a gas bottle body, wherein the gas bottle body is configured to be clamped between two clamping blocks of a grip element which can be pressed against the gas bottle body, whereby the clamping blocks are each provided with one handle which undergoes an upward movement if a lifting force is applied
 2. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the grip element has a connection stirrup bent to a bow which is provided at both ends whereof with one of the clamping blocks respectively.
 3. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the clamping blocks are respectively provided with a rubber lining which is in contact with the gas bottle body.
 4. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein a clamping jaw is mounted in the clamping block, wherein the clamping jaw is provided with a first bore and the clamping block with a second bore for receiving a pin, wherein the clamping jaw with the first bore is positioned on the pin which is situated in the clamping block.
 5. The grip element according to claim 4, wherein the bores have a diameter of approximately 8 mm.
 6. The grip element according to claim 4, wherein the pin is cylindrical.
 7. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the clamping block is provided with a bore with which the clamping block is positioned so as to be rotatable on the connection stirrup.
 8. The grip element according to claim 4, wherein the clamping jaw is provided on the side turned to the gas bottle body with a small surface.
 9. The grip element according to claim 8, wherein the surface is provided with a rubber block.
 10. The grip element according to claim 4, wherein the clamping jaw can be turned away from the gas bottle body by up to 27°.
 11. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the clamping block is provided on the side turned to the gas bottle body with a rubber block provided with a steel insert.
 12. The grip element according claim 1, wherein the handle is fixed with a screw.
 13. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein bores are arranged for fitting pins on the clamping block.
 14. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the handle is provided with a pressed-in fitting grip.
 15. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the grip element is adjustable in such a manner that the clamping blocks adapt to different diameters of the gas bottle body.
 16. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the handles are positioned so as to be rotatable.
 17. The grip element according to claim 2, wherein an additional rubber lining is arranged in an inner vertex of the connection stirrup.
 18. The grip element according to claim 2, wherein a torsion spring is integrated into the clamping blocks.
 19. The grip element according to claim 2, wherein the clamping blocks are aluminum blocks.
 20. The grip element according to claim 4, wherein the clamping block and the clamping jaw are configured as milled parts.
 21. The grip element according to claim 2, wherein the connection stirrup is configured as a round tube.
 22. The grip element according to claim 2, wherein the connection stirrup is configured as square tube.
 23. The grip element according to claim 3, wherein the rubber linings on the clamping blocks are square and/or rectangular.
 24. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the connection stirrup is configured as a cast part.
 25. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the clamping blocks are positioned on stud bolts of the connection stirrup with eccentrically bored bushes, wherein during a rotation of the bushes about 1800, there is a width adjustment from centre to centre of the bushes (36) to each other.
 26. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the clamping blocks are positioned on stud bolts of the connection stirrup with eccentrically bored bushes, such that a rotation of the bushes about 180° results in a width adjustment of the clamping blocks to each other of on the whole 23 mm.
 27. The grip element according to claim 25, wherein the bushes are of plastic.
 28. The grip element according to claim 25, wherein the bushes have a square configuration of a stud bolt bore on their side facing to the connection stirrup, wherein the bushes are secured against torsion on the stud bolts on a square stud.
 29. The grip element according to claim 25, wherein the bushes have on their side opposite the connection stirrup a bored opening of the stud bolt bore, wherein a compression spring can be mounted into the bored hole.
 30. The grip element according to claim 29, wherein the compression spring is held by a spring plate which is secured on a stud bolt of the clamping blocks.
 31. The grip element according to claim 25, wherein the bushes effect a hold of the clamping blocks positioned on the bushes.
 32. The grip element according to claim 25, wherein the bushes each have a head which is provided with a knurled handy edge.
 33. The grip element according to claim 32, wherein the edge of the head has on its side facing the clamping block fitting pin bores in a 90° arrangement.
 34. The grip element according to claim 33, wherein the edge of the head has 4 fitting pin bores.
 35. The grip element according to claim 33 wherein the bushes are secured against torsion on fitting pins which are inserted in the clamping block and extend through the bores of the head edge.
 36. The grip element according to claim 35, wherein the bushes are secured against torsion on four fitting pins.
 37. The grip element according to claim 25, wherein the bushes have on their head side a bored opening of the stud bolt bore with a dimension which guarantees the fitting of a compression spring with at least 10 mm spring excursion.
 38. The grip element according to claim 37, wherein the compression spring is held by a spring plate which is mounted on the stud bolt of the clamping blocks.
 39. The grip element according to claim 2, wherein the head of the bushes has radially arranged marks for indicating the position of the bush relatively to a mark on the respective clamping block.
 40. The grip element according to claim 25, wherein the clamping blocks are provided with a bore which receives the bush.
 41. The grip element according to claim 1, wherein the bushes affect a hold of the clamping blocks positioned on the bushes.
 42. The grip element according to claim 8, wherein the surface is square.
 43. The grip element according to claim 30, wherein the conversion spring is a spring washer. 